For people who travel from India, it is important to have valid insurance. In fact, travelling to certain countries in Europe and America requires every visa applicant to take insurance before they travel from India. Travel insurance is important because you may face various unexpected situations in unfamiliar surroundings where you may not know how to respond to them.
To travel in peace, buy insurance before you leave India. All medical emergencies and travel assistance is covered by insurance. Insurance also prevents financial losses and comprises of medical insurance coverage, loss or delay of luggage, accident coverage and loss of passport. Therefore a specific insurance policy makes sense. There are a few points to consider while choosing insurance before you travel outside India.
Buy from a reliable insurance company:
Make sure you research thoroughly as to which companies offer travel insurance. You could also ask people who have travelled abroad to share their experiences. Before selecting one, check if that insurance company has customer support in the country you are travelling to, that is easily accessible and responsive.
Annual Multi-Trip Option:
If you are a frequent traveller, then you can look at an annual multi-trip option. For all those who travel from India frequently, this option allows coverage for travel throughout the year. You can make short trips of 30-45 days per trip and be covered under this annual option. It is important to note that buying a policy every time you travel will prove to be more costly than getting an annual one.
Zero Deductible Options:
Certain insurance companies provide options which have deductibles. A fixed amount of money is deducted from the claims made. If the claim is lesser than the deductible amount, you will not be able to claim that amount at all. While selecting an insurance company, compare details of deductibles.
Network of hospitals and cashless hospitalisation:
You may face the need for hospitalisation or immediate treatment while overseas. In that scenario, it will be helpful if the location has a hospital associated with your insurance provider. There may also be a provision for cashless hospitalisation, thus preventing your trip’s budget from being affected by the treatment. In such an emergency, you need to contact the insurance company. Since insurance companies have different toll free numbers in different countries, it is important to make a note of the toll free number in the country you are visiting.
While on foreign land, you may realise that your trip requires extension but your insurance is about to expire. You need not worry as most policies can be extended online by visiting the insurance company’s website.
Before you travel from India, you must have insurance in hand to enjoy your travel abroad without any worries.
Disclaimer: Insurance Awareness initiative.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited,
ICICI Lombard House,
414, Veer Savarkar Marg,
Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400025.
IRDA Reg. No. 115.
Toll Free 1800 2666
Fax no - 022 61961323.
Corporate Identity Number (U67200MH2000PLC129408).
UIN : EC014AA1592IA